Will my dog eat an Alligator?

Ok, clearly my little black terrier-cross isn’t going ‘gater hunting anytime soon – though he is brave enough. But there’s some exotic stuff going on in the dog treat scene, or so I discovered searching out new trends at SuperZoo last spring.

Each company gave dogtrotting.net a complementary bag, so my cocker-cross and very picky eater Victor could give them and offer you an honest review. (The V – for Victor – review. One to four. Amazon affiliate links in blue).

What’s new in dog treats (and did Victor heat them)? Here’s the scoop:

Alligator

Likely, you saw that coming… but Jones Natural Chews Select Healthy Options has a new grain-free treat: Alligator Exotic Blend (with Chick Pea). The square treats are not crunchy or soft but bendable and contain only a few ingredients such as alligator (obviously), chick pea, vegetable glycerin and natural smoked flavour. There’s 24 percent protein but the 14 percent fat content is a little high for my aging pup.

Victor’s review: He ate these, though not immediately and wasn’t too excited. We’ll give these a three VVV rating.

Chia

Einstein Pet Treatscome in a variety of familiar flavours including sweet potato, turkey, pork, pumpkin and coconut but all have one thing in common: organic chia seed. According to the company, chia seeds contain more calcium (per ounce) than milk, more antioxidants than blueberries and more Omega-3 Fatty Acids than wild salmon. Bite-sized crunchy Einstein Pet Treats are made in small batches from human-grade ingredients.

Victor’s review: Unfortunately, he didn’t eat these at all. Either they are too crunchy or too healthy. Maybe your dog will, but Victor gives these one V.

Crickets

Bugs in treats sounds out there but I’ve seen this before in both people and pet food. Crickets specifically are a good source of protein that requires a fraction of the resources animal protein sources need.Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treats are slightly softer than crunchier versions my dog has tried but didn’t eat. Unfortunately, my dog’s still not a cricket fan but others might. Jiminy’s added additional flavours such as pumpkin, peanut butter and sweet potato.

Victor’s review: He didn’t eat these individually as treats. But he eventually ate them when dropped in his food, though only at the end of his meal. Two VVs from Victor.

UPDATE: However, after writing this review, Jiminy’s thoughtfully sent us a package of ‘soft’ cricket treats and yes, these were far more popular with an aging small dog. VVVV from Victor. (Watch for an upcoming post about baking with them….)

Fish Skins

Sourced directly from the fishermen who pull them from the Baltic and North Atlantic seas, according to Hagen, these dogs treats are as simple as limited ingredients get. La Mer by Dogit canine treats are herring wrapped in cod skin. Two ingredients, that’s it. That means there’s 60 percent protein and high in Omega-3 fatty acids. They also smell like fish – strong, which dogs love.

Victor’s review: My dog was immediately attracted by the odor (note: they are fishy), paused for a moment but crunched down the treat and then another. The texture was a little different for him, but I think he the easy crunch – these are hollow. Victor’s rating: VVV

Wild Boar

If two ingredients are two many, then these will satisfy. Wellness CORE freeze dried treats are made with one ingredient: wild boar sourced from the US. Grain and wheat free, these are freeze dried raw treats. Simply add a few to your dog’s regular meal to entice him to eat and add extra protein.

Victor’s review: He ate these quickly and willingly, though put on his food as toppers rather that treats. But boar is essentially pork, and Victor loves his bacon but must watch his fat intake in his advanced years. Victor’s review: Four VVVVs out of four.

Tuna

Ok, tuna isn’t that exotic, especially in cat treats. But in dog treats, it’s fairly unusual especially combined with blueberries and cranberries. These Soft ‘n Tasty Baked Bites from Caru are defined by what they’re not: no GMO, wheat, gluten, corn, soy or animal by-products. All tuna is wild caught and sourced in Canada or the USA, so your conscious is covered.

Victor’s review: Again, he didn’t gobble these up immediately, but took a moment after they were in his dish. He did eat both once he discovered them – I think he’s a fishy kind of guy. Victor’s score: VVVV.

CONTEST

WIN! A prize pack of dog treat packs: two packs of La Mer, one pack of Wild Boar, three sample packs of Jiminy’s Chewy Cricket Treats and one pack of Einstein Pet Treats.

I have three rescued Treeing Walker Coonhounds, who you think would love anything. My two boys are actually more picky, but my girl, Megumi, will eat most anything. The boys have had alligator treats before and liked them. Of the ones you list, though, I think they’d like the fish skin treats the best. I’ve bought salmon from the fish counter at our local grocery store and had them skin it before cooking it for me. I had them fry up the skins, too, and gave them to my dogs – who absolutely love them!

I’m surprised at how picky my little rescue is too. He’s not food motivated so training… is next to impossible. The fish has a strong odor – the neighbourhood dogs might be interested. Thanks for posting!